Document Type : Original article
Authors
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of family-centered neuropsychological programs on improving working memory and executive functions in children with separation anxiety disorder (SAD).
Method: This quasi-experimental study utilized a pre-test-post-test control group design. The statistical population included children with separation anxiety visiting treatment centers in Tehran and their mothers. A sample of 30 children was selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The intervention comprised 12 sessions (120 minutes each) of family-centered neuropsychological training, focusing on enhancing working memory and executive functions through interactive games. Instruments included Raven's Progressive Matrices, the Separation Anxiety Scale, the N-Back Test, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF).
Findings: Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) revealed that family-centered neuropsychological interventions significantly improved working memory and executive function performance in children in the experimental group compared to the control group. Results suggested that the program facilitated cognitive improvements by enhancing child-family interactions and incorporating targeted exercises.
Conclusion: This study underscores the efficacy of family-centered interventions as a viable approach for addressing cognitive and behavioral challenges in children with separation anxiety. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of these interventions and examine their applicability across diverse populations.
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